the unexpected clarity

which of the trees will cast the longest shade
we can't tell now when there's not enough light
we will not know through watches of the night
but when the stars and moon begin to fade
we'll learn the answer without any more aid
than what we're given by the sense of sight
we'll know and what we'll know will be the right
to place our knowledge within history's braid
there won't be need nor the desire to drain
the fount of simple wisdom to the last good drop
rather we'll have a chance to test the taste
of a strong beverage that still looks so plain
it can't be bought for money at the shop
but we must quaff or else it will go to waste